FOOD LOVE

Dec 27, 2010

BOXING DAY FUN

In Canada we have what is called Boxing Day on December 26th. Traditionally this day is when many stand in freezing lineups outside of stores waiting for the crazy sales markdowns. The electronics stores only let so many in at a time. People swarm the counters of all the stores trying to grab something at half price or less. I wouldn't be caught dead in the stores on Boxing Day.

I prefer something a little more relaxed. Something like having 28 people over for a little food and fun. We have a traditional Boxing Day open house where the food flows all day and evening and everyone is welcome.

Now previous to this year I would have a lot of time to organize everything as I was at home. Not this year. Working full time really changes the way you do things. I have to admit there wasn't a home made cookie in the house. Not a single one. But don't feel too bad for us because there was plenty on the tables.

The house was full of friends and family. They brought such lovely wines and elegant chocolates. Candles, cookies and dark rich coffee too. Oh yes and a lovely bottle of brandy to get me through a certain set of circumstances coming up soon. Lol. I will tell you all about that at a later date.

We ate and we ate:a big spiral cut hamchicken wings (2 types)appetizer meat balls in a yummy sauce (Note to self - big hit and one of the only homemade items. Double the amount next year)cheese platter with goat cheeses, brie, havarti, edam, cheddar, marinated bocconcini. jalepeno artichoke dip black olive tapenadegreen olive and almond tapenadehummous dipdeviled eggspateassortment of Italian salamisbrowniesfruit cakechocolate filled wafer cookiescaramel filled rice krispy squares (oh ya you can't imagine how good these are - thanks Maryanne) So much food that I forgot to put out the sausage rolls and the guacamole. I don't think anyone noticed. Do you ever do that? Forget something in the fridge or cupboard because there is twice as much food as you need out there already. People came and went throughout the day and we just had a lovely time catching up. Lots of designated drivers. Lots of leftovers too. Lucky me. Boxing Day is a statutory holiday in Canada so because it fell on the weekend this year we also have today off work. Score. I won't have to cook for a week and that is good because I have a few dishes to do still.

Ah, the joys of having the option to work part time! I actually have time to do the a bit more of the Martha Stewart type stuff. That menu looks great. Mind you I food I don't need. If I don't stop stuffing my gob, the new clothes I bought online at the Boxing Day sale (no hanging around in stupid line ups for me) won't fit. *oink*

Lucy- It's always better to have more food than not! I hate going to parties and having to stop afterward at a fast food place because the hosts didn't provide their guests with adequate nourishment. It is tons of work to carry off a party, but working adds another wrench to the ordeal. Glad it all worked out for you. Just stuff the leftovers in the freezer and be happy you have things for a month or so to alternate as dinners. So what is with this trip to SF? Spill... ~Ethel

Just read your sweet note and came right over, my friend! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Before I forget, I really wanted to thank you for the fabulous Christmas card that you sent me...I loved it!!! Your so kind to think of me with such a sweet card!

Well my dear, it sounds like you have had a fabulous Christmas holiday! Sooo much more fun then fighting for your life at your "Boxing Day" shopping...eeeks! Of course, I'm sure that it's about the same here...all those after Christmas sales! Hehe! Wowzer, sure wished I lived closer, my friend! I would have loved spending some time with you yesterday! What a fabulous party you planned and all that food sounds absolutely divine!!! Mmmmm!!! I bet you are busy with the clean-up today...but I think you have the right idea! Clean a little...relax...eat...drink...and clean a little! LOL! Have a good one, sweet lady!!!